Let's Talk and Keep Talking

Yesterday in Canada was Bell Let's Talk day. A national fundraising and awareness building for mental health by Bell Media. It raised over 6 million dollars. In their campaign they use Olympic champion Clara Hughes and comedian Howie Mandel. They share their stories of dealing with mental health.

It is a good idea, however, why just one day, why not every day or at least every day in January. In order to eliminate the stigma of mental health it needs action and talk every day. For me I have embraced my depression and talk about it every day.

Before I was diagnosed I was angry, irritable, moody and powerless. Post diagnosis I have become positive and powerful.

The other day I was leading a group discussion at an evening workshop on mental health. We were talking about the resources available to people dealing with mental health issues. We do not have enough resources and the waiting lists are long. When this happens people fall through the cracks. The system is overworked and fraught with holes.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. One in five people deal with mental health issues. A community grassroots approach is needed. Communities like churches, community centres and schools need to take the lead to create safe havens for people to come together to talk, do and support each other.

For me, I was trapped by the stigma of mental illness. I was like many people are cognizant that deep down something was wrong, however, I was too afraid to explore it. I was ashamed of admitting for fear of being labeled.

Yet ironically, once I was diagnosed I started to embrace my depression it became a freeing experience. I feel I am living prove of Let's Talk.

Once I started sharing, I connected with many people and realized that I had nothing to be afraid of and I was not alone. I began to have deeper relationships with people who before I only had superficial ones. The more I talked and listened I heard powerful stories of people supporting each other. I also heard tragedies of people reaching out and unable to get the help they sought.

I will continue to talk every day. This is a life long journey and you never know when someone needs to hear that they are never alone. I am always a work in progress, sometimes I also need a little extra support. In the beginning, talking was risky, now it is both freeing and rewarding.